Day three of the Paris Air Show 2019 was marked with a celebration of 50 years since the lunar landings and a look to the future with the return of supersonic flight.

Boom gives progress update on supersonic jet

Denver-based Supersonic start-up Boom updated the aerospace world on the progress of its Overture 75-seat supersonic jet programme. The company announced its partnership with Prometheus Fuels to supply fuel during the flight test programme of XB-1, Boom’s Mach-2.2 demonstrator aircraft. The aircraft is set to become the world’s first supersonic flight using carbon-neutral fuel. Its test flight is scheduled for next year.

The orders keep on coming

Both Airbus and Boeing continue to sign deals for their aircraft at the show. Confidence in Boeing's beleagured MAX programme was boosted with IAG signing for 200 aircraft yesterday along with more orders for Airbus’ A321XLR. Orders were also rolling in for the engine manufacturers with Pratt & Whitney signing an agreement from Chilean discount carrier JetSmart for 185 engines as well as announcing additional orders for its geared turbo fan powerplant.

NASA jets in for 50th anniversary of lunar landings

NASA rocketed into Paris with their call for international partners to join a fast track project to return astronauts to the moon. Three Apollo astronauts - Al Worden, Charlie Duke and Walter Cunningham - marked the anniversary with a whole series of events at the show including meeting young people to answer their questions about space exploration

Thales unveils FLYtX intuitive cockpit

The Airbus H160M Guepard (GWAYPAR) helicopter is the machine of choice for all three of the French armed forces. Thales unveiled its new FLYtX cockpit today which is being installed within the Guepard. The intuitive flight deck has touchscreen interaction and has the flexibility to adapt to civil, military, rotary and fixed wing applications

ATR rotary launch set for take off

Dublin-based Elix Aviation Capital has been announced as the launch customer of the ATR 42-600S if the programme gets the planned go-ahead. The aircraft leasing platform ordered 10 of the short take off and landing variant which can operate runways as short as 800m.

Catch up on all of the latest announcements, deals and unveilings from Le Bourget at wearefinn.com. On day four, we’ll be taking a look at the challenges of training and recruitment within the industry, along with a showcase of the most innovative aircraft of the future. Subscribe now to receive it.